12 Arab, Islamic countries urge Iran to 'stop attacks immediately, avoid Strait of Hormuz disruption'

Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz -- a critical artery for roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas -- has slowed significantly since the conflict began three weeks ago.

• 12 Arab and Islamic nations urge Iran to stop attacks now
• Statement warns of navigation threats in Strait of Hormuz
• Ministers urge restraint, back Lebanon's stability and sovereignty

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A group of 12 Arab and Islamic countries has called on Iran to “immediately halt attacks” following a consultative meeting of foreign ministers, while also warning against any “measures or threats aimed at closing or obstructing international navigation” in the Strait of Hormuz.

The joint statement, issued after discussions in Riyadh, underscored concerns over recent Iranian actions and stressed that continued escalation could undermine regional stability. Ministers said the attacks “cannot be justified under any pretext or in any manner whatsoever,” emphasising the need for restraint.

The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Qatar, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Egypt, The Gambia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Reaffirming their commitment to international law and the principles of good neighbourliness, the countries urged a de-escalation of tensions and a return to diplomatic engagement. They highlighted the importance of respecting sovereignty and non-interference, while calling for adherence to the United Nations Charter.

The statement also pressed for an “immediate halt to all attacks, and unconditional cessation of any provocative acts or threats against neighboring states,” alongside an end to support, financing, and arming of affiliated groups operating in the region.

Ministers further stressed that maritime security must not be compromised, cautioning against any actions that could disrupt global shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.

In addition, the countries reiterated their support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty, backing efforts to strengthen state institutions and limit weapons to official authorities. They also condemned what they described as destabilising activities affecting Lebanon.

They took a pledge to continue consultations and coordination, aiming to develop unified positions and adopt necessary measures to safeguard regional security, stability, and sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that an oil refinery in the northern port city of Haifa was hit on Thursday, after the military warned of incoming missiles launched from Iran.

Israel's Kan 11 public broadcaster aired images on television showing a thick plume of dark smoke rising from the area of the refinery. In a post on X, Kan reported that there were no concerns that hazardous materials had leaked.

The spokesperson for the environmental protection ministry said its director general and emergency response units from the Haifa district were on their way to a scene "following a report regarding the fall of interceptor debris in the Haifa region and a suspected incident involving hazardous materials".